Child Victims Act needs limits lifted

Published 5:30 pm, Monday, April 1, 2013

We were thrilled to read your compassionate endorsement of the Child Victims Act, which would eliminate statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse ("There's no limit on such pain," March 18).

It is shocking that studies consistently find between 10 and 20 percent of children have been sexually victimized. Yet fewer than 10 percent of offenders are convicted. In New York, a child rapist can only be brought to justice if the victim is younger than 23 when she or he discloses. This rarely happens.

No legislation can change the psychological and social obstacles that keep children from disclosing their abuse, but eliminating the statute of limitations for prosecution ensures a future where survivors can seek justice when it is safe for them to.

Such reform only applies to crimes committed after the legislative change. To help today's survivors achieve some semblance of justice, "civil windows" provide a limited time for bringing lawsuits against the accused. This is the most contentious proposal because it provides immediate consequences for past actions.

Having been sexually abused often leads to a lifetime of poverty or diminished earning. Yet, the main motivation for going to court is to spare other children the lingering pain and damage they suffered. Child sexual abuse is not a one-victim crime. Public databases of sex offenders who were successfully sued can be scanned by those responsible for children, thereby helping prevent future abuse.

The Child Victims Act brings those who commit heinous crimes against children to account. New York's lawmakers have allowed a broken law to remain unfixed for too long, and far too many children have suffered for it.